The United States and Russia collaborate on finding a Soviet agent, Borodin, feared kidnapped by China. Both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. worry that the Red Chinese will extract the many military secrets he carries in his head. A top Soviet agent, Pavlov, is sent to assist Burke in locating the missing Borodin. They learn that Borodin has been smuggled into Switzerland in the carcass of a dead ox, and is being held in a state of suspended animation. Deceptions lead Burke to finally discover that Russians are actually holding Borodin for a ransom of four million dollars.